186 THE HORSE IN HEALTH AND DISEASE 



anesthetic through gauze stretched across the other nostril. 

 About 6 ounces of chloroform, given over a period of some twenty 

 minutes, are necessary to place the horse fully under its influence. 

 Chloral hydrate has many advantages as a narcotizing agent. It 

 is given in aqueous solution either intravenously or by the mouth. 

 The dose varies from 20 to 70 grams. Cocain is the most popular 

 agent for producing local insensibility to pain. It is injected hypo- 

 dermatically over the nerves of the part to be operated upon. As 

 a means of finding the exact seat of lameness it is especially valu- 

 able. 



SLINGING 



Slings are useful to support the animal in the standing position 

 when he is unable to stand without assistance. If the horse refuses 

 to assist himself and hangs in the slings they should not be used. 



There are a number of different types of slings on the market. 

 The older makes have a wide canvas girth, which passes under the 

 body and presses on both the sternum and the abdomen. They 

 are objectionable for the reason that too much pressure is brought 

 to bear on the abdomen when the horse throws his weight into the 

 slings. With pregnant mares this is a decided disadvantage, as it 

 may result in abortion. In any case, the abdominal viscera are 

 pushed forward and press on the diaphragm, which, in turn, com- 

 presses the lungs so that respiration is interfered with. 



The newest type of sling is so constructed that the weight is 

 borne by a relatively narrow girth and breast-piece, which press 

 only on the sternum and pectoral muscles, and has a breeching in 

 which the horse may rest the hind quarters with safety and comfort. 

 All the parts of a good sling should be adjustable by means of 

 straps. A self-locking chain pulley is the most satisfactory method 

 of regulating the height. It should be suspended from an over- 

 head beam or ring. Such an arrangement is so easy to operate that 

 a small boy can raise a heavy animal without assistance. 



CASTRATING 



Castration is the unsexing of the male and consists in the 

 removal of both testicles. It is resorted to very frequently to ren- 

 der the horse more tractable. The operation is not attended with 

 danger if performed while the horse is young, unless there is a 

 hernia of the bowel into the inguinal canal or scrotum, or the usual 



